Q: Does emergency contraception cause an abortion?
A: Emergency contraception is taken to prevent a pregnancy. It works by suppressing ovulation (the release of an egg from a female's ovary) and is one half of the medication that is in most birth control methods. In fact if taken and a woman is unaware that she is even pregnant---it will NOT harm the fetus at all. Unfortunately Emergency Contraception is often confused with another medication (RU486) that women can take with a prescription to cause a miscarriage.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare for my annual exam?
A: Great question! Make sure you avoid using any vaginal
creams, washing inside your vagina and/or having vaginal sex for
at least 24 hours prior to your ppointment. If you have your period, please call & reschedule your exam. Periods can interfere with obtaining the best sample of cells from your cervix & which can increase the need for repeat PAP tests unnecessarily.
Q: Is there a way that I can receive birth control at no cost to me?
A: If you are female, between the age of 15-44 and meet income guidelines you will be eligible to enroll in the Medical Assistance Family Planning Waiver. This state funded program is intended to decrease unplanned pregnancies in WI and it covers the cost of STD testing, pregnancy testing, reproductive health (GYN) exams and almost all methods of birth control. See below about becoming a patient at the Wellness Center.
You need to bring a photo ID, your social security number and a copy of your past 2 paycheck stubs if you are 18 or older.
Q: I want to stop smoking or using tobacco...got any ideas?
A: Congratulations on taking the first step! There are many options out there and we encourage you to try some of these strategies:
• Call the WI Tobacco Quit Line @ (800) QUIT-NOW for free assistance
• Develop an ACTION PLAN of at least 4-5 things you can do when you develop the urge to use tobacco
• brush your teeth, walk around the block, deep breathe for 2-3 minutes, etc .
• read one more chapter, do the dishes, pay bills, etc.
• Typically if you can delay for 5-10 minutes the urge will pass
• Avoid hard candy unless it is sugar-free (sugar increases desire for nicotine)
• Drink LOTS of fluids to help flush the nicotine out of your system
• Ask your medical provider (nurse practitioner) about the role for nicotine replacement therapy or one of the prescribed medications to block the nicotine receptor sites and increase your chances for success!
• Consider enrolling in a Tobacco Cessation Workshop such as the Freedom From Smoking Workshops offered by the American Lung Association
• Check out our LINKS page!
Q: I had sex without a condom but I know this person really well. I don't need to really be worried, do I?
A: YES, you do need to be concerned! Even if you are not having symptoms call the office for an STD appointment 2 weeks after you have had ANY kind of unprotected intimate contact.
Two-thirds of people who have chlamydia never experience any symptoms---so it makes it pretty easy for sexually transmitted bacterial and viral infections to be spread around.
It really doesn't matter how well you think you may know someone. Unless they have never had any intimate sexual contact of any kind with another person---you are at risk of getting exposed to any viruses and/or bacteria that your partner may be bringing into the encounter or relationship with you. Lastly if you are female and not on any other form of birth control---you need to use Emergency Contraception ASAP to prevent a pregnancy!
STDS ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INFECTER!
Q: How do I become a patient at the Wellness Center?
A: The fastest way to get scheduled is to call (920)746-9444 during business hours and we'll schedule an appointment for you. Bring a photo ID and your social security number with you in the event that you are eligible to participate in a state funded program. Also---if you are over 18 and are employed---please bring your last 2 paycheck stubs with you. If you have insurance please bring your insurance card with you!
Q: If I am under the age of 18 do I need my parent's permission to be seen there?
A: Although we always encourage you to talk with your parents--- WI state statutes make it possible for you to seek Family Planning services without the permission of your parents or guardian(s). This includes being seen for any of the following: pregnancy testing, STD testing, birth control or exams.
Q: I missed taking my pill yesterday---now what?
A: The rule of thumb when it comes to taking a birth control pill---if you're late or have forgotten your pill----ALWAYS take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill at the regularly scheduled time.
Q: I have trouble remembering to take my birth control pill--can you help me?
A: If you are sexually active and want your pill to be the MOST effective it is VERY important that you take your pill at the same time daily. Try some of these tips:
• Select a time of the day that you can tie into some behavior such as getting up, brushing your teeth or going to bed
• If you sleep late on the weekends---continue to take your pill at your usual time of day---even if that means waking up to the alarm clock and returning to sleep after you take your pill
• Set your cell phone alarm to remind you
• Remember in order for pills to be effective---you need to take them on a regular schedule
• If these tips don't work for you and you continue to be late or miss taking pills--Schedule an appointment ASAP to discuss what might be a better option for you!
Q: If I want to get tested for STDs and I'm male---what do I need to do?
A: Ideally it is most helpful if you schedule an appointment. The most important thing you can do is avoid urinating (using the bathroom) for at least one full hour prior to your arrival at the clinic. Testing will typically be done by both a urine and blood sample. If it is only HIV testing that you desire it will be a simple fingerstick and results will be ready in less than 20 minutes.